Senior UX/UI Designer*in (w/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer*in (w/m/d)

Company: hl-studios GmbH

Location: Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Experience Design, Team Leadership

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of innovative UX/UI solutions, from initial wireframes to interactive prototypes.

• Drive user-centric design for diverse digital platforms including interactive applications, web presences, and digital campaigns.

• Foster and develop a high-performing UX/UI and Vibecoding team, ensuring design quality and consistency across all projects.

• Oversee the advancement of shared standards, design systems, and AI-integrated workflows within the design team.

• Manage project lifecycles, engage in client-facing activities, and contribute to business development through pitches and proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends hands-on design execution with significant team leadership and strategic development responsibilities, indicating a senior position focused on both individual contribution and team enablement within a specialized agency environment. The emphasis on AI and Vibecoding suggests a forward-thinking approach to digital experience design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently conceptualize and design user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) solutions, progressing from initial wireframes to fully interactive prototypes.

• Develop user-centric concepts for a range of interactive applications, web presences, digital campaigns, and immersive B2B/industrial environments such as trade show exhibits and digital showrooms.

• Provide design oversight and support for high-quality client presentations and keynotes, ensuring visual appeal and strategic messaging.

• Provide technical leadership and drive the professional development of the UX/UI and Vibecoding team.

• Ensure high standards of design quality and consistency across all projects, actively contributing to the evolution of shared standards, robust design systems, and AI-supported workflows within the team.

• Assume project responsibility, manage client relationships and development, and actively participate in new business pitches and proposal development.

• Collaborate closely with Business Management, Creative Direction, and external development partners to ensure seamless project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on hands-on design and team management. The inclusion of B2B/industrial environments and specific output types like "Vibecoding" suggests a specialized agency niche. The emphasis on design systems, AI, and client-facing responsibilities points to a senior role requiring strategic thinking and leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Design, UX/UI, Communication, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a UX/UI Designer, with a proven track record of leading and mentoring design teams.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in end-to-end UX/UI design, including wireframing, user flow mapping, and interaction design.

• Strong proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD) and Figma.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining design systems to ensure brand consistency and streamline design processes.

• Practical experience with AI tools for design, including but not limited to Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, AttentionInsight, and Higgsfield.

• Familiarity with Vibecoding concepts and tools such as Claude Code or Codex.

• Solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and ideally JavaScript, enabling effective communication with development teams.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions to clients and stakeholders.

• Proficiency in PowerPoint for creating compelling client presentations and keynotes.

• Fluent in written and spoken English. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within an agency environment, particularly in the B2B or industrial sector.

• Experience in leading and mentoring junior designers and fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Experience with other prototyping tools or platforms.

• Understanding of performance marketing principles and how UX/UI design contributes to campaign success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience, coupled with team leadership, clearly defines this as a senior-level position. The specific mention of AI tools and Vibecoding indicates a need for candidates who are not only proficient in traditional UX/UI but also innovative and forward-thinking in their approach to digital design. The proficiency in HTML/CSS/JavaScript is crucial for effective collaboration with developers in an agency setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of UX/UI design experience, with a strong emphasis on B2B and industrial digital solutions.

• Demonstrations of end-to-end design processes, from initial user research and wireframing through to high-fidelity mockups and clickable prototypes.

• Case studies highlighting the development and implementation of design systems, illustrating their impact on project efficiency and design consistency.

• Examples of AI-assisted design workflows and the integration of AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, Adobe Firefly) into the creative process.

• Projects that incorporate Vibecoding principles or demonstrate an understanding of how to translate technical concepts into engaging visual experiences.

• Evidence of successful client presentations and stakeholder engagement, showcasing the ability to articulate design rationale and influence decision-making. Process Documentation:

• Clear documentation of your design process, including user-centered methodologies, iterative design cycles, and feedback integration.

• Examples of how you have contributed to or developed shared standards and best practices within a design team.

• Case studies detailing how you have managed project timelines, scope, and client expectations effectively.

• Demonstrations of how you collaborate with developers, providing clear specifications and ensuring design fidelity during implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX/UI role, particularly in an agency that emphasizes innovation, a portfolio must go beyond static visuals. It needs to demonstrate a mature design process, leadership capabilities, and an understanding of emerging technologies like AI and Vibecoding. The ability to articulate the impact of design, not just the aesthetics, is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX/UI Designers in Germany with 5-10 years of experience and leadership responsibilities, particularly in specialized agencies, a competitive annual gross salary would likely range from €65,000 to €85,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Erlangen, the specialized nature of the role (AI/Vibecoding), and the leadership component.

Benefits:

• Company pension scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge - bAV) with employer contributions.

• Access to the "corporate benefits" portal, offering discounts on various products and services.

• Flexible working time models to promote work-life balance.

• Workation options, allowing for remote work from different locations.

• A barrier-free office environment designed for accessibility and comfort.

• On-site canteen providing convenient meal options.

• On-site coffee bar for refreshments and informal breaks.

Working Hours: The standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. Flexible working time models are available, allowing for adjustments to accommodate individual needs and project demands, while ensuring core collaboration hours are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general German market data for senior design roles with leadership duties, adjusted for location and the specialized skills required. The benefits provided are typical for a German company, with specific additions like "Workation" reflecting a modern approach to employee well-being and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Experience Design, Creative Agency, B2B/Industrial Marketing. hl-studios operates within a dynamic agency landscape, focusing on transforming complex technical subjects into engaging and impactful digital experiences. Their specialization in B2B and industrial sectors means they work with clients who often have intricate products or services requiring clear, persuasive communication. This context demands a blend of technical understanding and creative storytelling.

Company Size: With a team that likely ranges from 50-200 employees (inferred from typical agency structures for this level of specialization and market presence), hl-studios offers a size that balances the resources of a larger firm with the agility and close-knit collaboration of a smaller one. For operations professionals, this typically means opportunities for broad exposure to different projects while still having a tangible impact and direct access to leadership.

Founded: Founded over 30 years ago, hl-studios has a long-standing history and established reputation. This longevity suggests stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven ability to adapt to evolving technological and market trends. For a senior designer, this implies working within a company that values experience and has a solid foundation for innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI and Vibecoding team is likely composed of a diverse group of designers specializing in different aspects of digital experience creation, potentially including UI designers, UX researchers, interaction designers, and specialists in emerging areas like AI-driven design and Vibecoding. The team size would be manageable, allowing for close collaboration and mentorship from the Senior UX/UI Designer.

• The reporting structure would place the Senior UX/UI Designer reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Design, with direct reports comprising the designers within their specialized team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with Business Management (for client acquisition and project scoping), Creative Direction (for overarching creative strategy), and development partners (for technical implementation), ensuring a cohesive approach from concept to delivery. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing user research, analytics, and AI-powered insights to inform design decisions and measure effectiveness.

• Iterative Design & Prototyping: Employing agile methodologies to rapidly develop, test, and refine concepts, ensuring user needs are met throughout the process.

• Design System Development: Building and maintaining comprehensive design systems to ensure brand consistency, efficiency, and scalability across projects.

• AI Integration: Exploring and implementing AI tools to enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and deliver innovative solutions.

Company Website: https://www.hl-studios.de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's age and specialization in B2B/industrial design are key context points. This implies a need for designers who can translate complex technical information into accessible and compelling user experiences, often for discerning corporate clients. The emphasis on AI and Vibecoding suggests a forward-thinking agency that embraces new technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level, signifying a transition from individual contributor to a leadership and strategic role. The Senior UX/UI Designer is expected to not only excel in design execution but also to guide and mentor junior team members, contribute to the agency's strategic direction in design, and manage client relationships. This level requires a deep understanding of design principles, a proven ability to deliver impactful projects, and the capacity to shape the design culture and processes of the team.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Head of Design, providing a clear line of communication for strategic alignment and performance feedback. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of UX/UI designers and Vibecoding specialists, fostering their growth and ensuring the quality of their output. This dual reporting relationship (upwards for strategy, downwards for leadership) is characteristic of senior operational roles.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX/UI Designer's impact is multifaceted. They are directly responsible for the quality and effectiveness of the digital experiences delivered to clients, which in turn influences client satisfaction, project success, and the agency's reputation. By leading the team and developing design systems and AI workflows, they drive efficiency, foster innovation, and ensure the agency remains competitive. Their work directly contributes to the client's ability to communicate complex technical information, engage their target audience, and achieve their business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone team leadership skills, manage larger teams, and potentially take on broader departmental responsibilities within the agency.

• Strategic Design Influence: Contribute to the agency's overall design strategy, client acquisition processes (pitches), and the adoption of new design technologies and methodologies.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in emerging areas like AI-driven design, Vibecoding, or specific industry verticals (e.g., automotive, manufacturing), becoming a subject matter expert.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop advanced client management and consulting skills, potentially leading to client director roles or senior consulting positions.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to mentor junior designers, sharing knowledge and best practices, which is a key aspect of senior roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role not just as a design position but as a critical operational and leadership function within the agency. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for career advancement beyond individual design contribution, emphasizing strategic and managerial development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid work environment. While hl-studios utilizes modern tools for remote collaboration, they also value in-person exchange. This suggests a modern office setting designed to facilitate collaboration, creativity, and team cohesion when employees are on-site.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Reutleser Weg 6, 91058 Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany. This location is described as accessible and barrier-free, indicating thoughtful consideration for employee comfort and inclusivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated collaboration zones designed to encourage spontaneous interaction and teamwork among designers, project managers, and business development teams.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to high-performance workstations, necessary software licenses (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, etc.), and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping or VR/AR experiences, supporting the advanced design tasks.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily informal check-ins, team stand-ups, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The "flexible working time models" indicate that while a standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) applies, there is room for individual adjustments. This flexibility is crucial for operations roles that often require deep focus and can benefit from non-traditional working hours, while still requiring core availability for team collaboration and client meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect, suggesting a balance between remote flexibility and the benefits of in-office collaboration. The mention of a "barrier-free" office and specific amenities like a canteen and coffee bar points to a company that prioritizes employee well-being and a conducive working atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (Phone/Video Call): A preliminary discussion to assess general fit, experience level, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities. Be prepared to briefly articulate your experience in UX/UI design, team leadership, and your interest in hl-studios.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A more in-depth session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your design process, problem-solving skills, leadership approach, and how you've utilized tools like Figma, Adobe CC, and AI. Be ready to discuss specific project challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Team & Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members and discuss how you would integrate into the existing team dynamics. This might involve scenario-based questions about collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership style.

• Final Interview (e.g., with Management/Director): A concluding discussion to finalize details, assess strategic alignment, and confirm mutual interest. This is also your chance to ask any remaining questions about the company's vision and your role within it.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your senior-level experience, leadership capabilities, and proficiency in the required tools (Figma, Adobe CC, AI). Ensure a mix of B2B/industrial examples if possible.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process followed (emphasizing user-centricity and innovation), your specific contributions (especially leadership aspects), the tools used, and the quantifiable results or impact achieved.

• Highlight AI & Vibecoding: Explicitly demonstrate how you've integrated AI tools into your workflow and discuss your understanding and application of Vibecoding concepts.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored designers, improved team processes, or contributed to design system development.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Beyond the presentation, be ready to delve deeper into your design decisions, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a short design challenge to complete within a set timeframe, either as a take-home assignment or during an interview session. Focus on demonstrating your systematic approach, creativity, and ability to work efficiently.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific team leadership scenarios, client conflicts, or project management challenges.

• AI & Technology: Be ready to discuss your perspective on the future of AI in UX/UI design and how you envision integrating new technologies into workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess not only design skills but also leadership potential and cultural fit. The portfolio review is critical, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just design output but also process, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative UI design, wireframing, and prototyping. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency, including component creation, auto-layout, and team library management.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Proficiency in Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially Adobe XD for prototyping and collaboration.

• PowerPoint: Required for creating high-quality client presentations and keynotes, demonstrating clear communication of design concepts and strategies.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for the designer, an understanding of analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and how UX/UI impacts metrics like conversion rates, bounce rates, and user engagement is beneficial. The ability to interpret data to inform design decisions is key. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as direct responsibilities for this role. However, an understanding of how design integrates with marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven user journeys might be advantageous for B2B contexts. Emerging Technologies:

• AI Design Tools: Practical experience with tools like Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, AttentionInsight, and Higgsfield for concept generation, asset creation, or design analysis.

• Vibecoding Tools: Familiarity with platforms such as Claude Code or Codex, indicating an interest in leveraging AI for code generation or design implementation assistance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and particularly the AI and Vibecoding tools, highlights the agency's commitment to modern design practices and innovation. Proficiency in these areas is a non-negotiable requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to high-quality, user-centered design that effectively communicates complex technical information and achieves client objectives.

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as AI and Vibecoding, to push creative boundaries and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and collective success is prioritized.

• Client Focus & Partnership: Building strong relationships with clients, understanding their business needs, and acting as a trusted advisor to deliver impactful results.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging ongoing professional development and staying abreast of the latest trends and tools in UX/UI design and related fields.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with business management and creative directors to align design strategy with business goals and creative vision. They also maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with development partners to ensure seamless implementation.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive criticism and open dialogue during design reviews, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and providing feedback to improve designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the exchange of insights, best practices, and learnings through team meetings, workshops, and informal discussions, especially concerning new tools and techniques like AI and Vibecoding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style suggest a dynamic, forward-thinking agency that values both individual expertise and collective effort. The emphasis on innovation and client partnership is key for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: Effectively communicating highly technical or complex B2B/industrial concepts to diverse user groups through intuitive design. This requires deep understanding and creative problem-solving.

• Leading Evolving Technologies: Integrating cutting-edge AI and Vibecoding tools into established workflows while ensuring quality, consistency, and team adoption. This requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Needs: Managing client expectations and project constraints while pushing creative boundaries and advocating for user-centered design principles.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Guiding and upskilling a team of designers, particularly in new and rapidly evolving areas like AI and Vibecoding, requires strong leadership and pedagogical skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI/Vibecoding Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AI-driven design tools and Vibecoding methodologies through workshops, courses, or internal knowledge sharing.

• Design System Expansion: Leading the growth and refinement of the agency's design systems, potentially incorporating new components or AI-assisted features.

• Client Management & Strategy: Developing skills in strategic client consultation, proposal writing, and project leadership, paving the way for more senior client-facing roles.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Potential to attend relevant design conferences and events to stay updated on industry trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in an innovative agency, requiring a blend of technical skill, leadership, and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for career advancement and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a UX/UI design team, particularly one incorporating emerging technologies like AI and Vibecoding. How do you foster creativity while ensuring quality and consistency?" (Focus on leadership philosophy, team development, and process management.)

• "Walk us through a complex B2B or industrial design project from your portfolio. What were the key challenges, how did you leverage UX/UI principles and AI tools to address them, and what was the ultimate impact?" (Prepare a detailed case study showcasing process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you balance the need for innovative design solutions with client requirements and project timelines? Provide an example of a situation where you had to navigate these competing priorities." (Demonstrate negotiation, strategic thinking, and client management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about hl-studios specifically, and how do you see your skills in AI and Vibecoding aligning with our agency's focus?" (Research the company's work, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you approach fostering a collaborative and innovative design culture within a team? What are your strategies for encouraging feedback and knowledge sharing?" (Discuss your leadership style and experience building team dynamics.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design work, both from a user perspective and a business impact perspective?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, analytics, and ROI, linking design to business outcomes.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning (problem/context), middle (process, solutions, your role, tools used), and end (results, impact, lessons learned).

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly call out instances where you led, mentored, or influenced team direction. For example, "As the lead designer, I guided the team in developing these components..."

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals, but ensure they serve the narrative. Explain why design decisions were made, not just what was designed.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced user errors, improved task completion times).

• Engage and Interact: Be prepared for questions throughout your presentation. Treat it as a conversation, not a lecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design expertise but also leadership acumen, strategic thinking, and adaptability to new technologies. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for showcasing these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the hl-studios GmbH jobs portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, team leadership accomplishments, and specific proficiency with tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and AI design platforms. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, leadership, and experience with AI/Vibecoding. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your role, process, solutions, and measurable impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication, strategic rationale, and demonstrating your leadership and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI and Vibecoding.

• Research hl-studios: Understand their client base, recent projects, and company culture. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers, demonstrating your engagement and interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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